The role of social media on psychological wellbeing from the perspectives of young people with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers: a qualitative study

ABSTRACTThis study explores the perceived influence of social media on psychological wellbeing in young people living with type 1 diabetes. Young people aged 13–20 years (N = 19) with type 1 diabetes and caregivers (diabetes healthcare providers and parents) (N = 8) took part in an online focus grou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of adolescence and youth Vol. 29; no. 1
Main Authors: Berry, Emma, Cleal, Bryan, Morrissey, Eimear, Willaing, Ingrid, Shields, Caoimhe, Thornton, Matthew, Duffy, Grace, Davies, Mark
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 31-12-2024
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Summary:ABSTRACTThis study explores the perceived influence of social media on psychological wellbeing in young people living with type 1 diabetes. Young people aged 13–20 years (N = 19) with type 1 diabetes and caregivers (diabetes healthcare providers and parents) (N = 8) took part in an online focus group or interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Participants reflected on social media’s capacity to facilitate accessible peer learning and emotional support. Themes for young people centred on the emotional demand of perceiving diabetes products/diets, stigma, and ‘filtered’ peer profiles. Caregiver themes centred on the accuracy and trustworthiness of diabetes content. Caregivers perceive that young people find it difficult to be open about their condition online. Young people with type 1 diabetes reflected on how social media enables them to control their experience. Findings reflect the paradoxical nature of social media as a diabetes support aid, and practical implications of this are discussed.
ISSN:0267-3843
2164-4527
DOI:10.1080/02673843.2023.2298083